Photo Caption: Kerr Fatou Reporter speaking to market vendors, at Serekunda
By Fatou Sillah
In May, President Adama Barrow, the leader and secretary-general of the National People’s Party, announced his intent to run for a third term in the 2026 presidential election. In light of this, Kerr Fatou visited Serekunda Market to gauge public opinion on his decision. Here, several vendors expressed frustration and called on Barrow to step down after completing his current term.
Alagie Korta, a vendor and deportee from Libya, voiced his disappointment, saying that Gambians have endured enough under the current administration. He urged the president to allow new leadership to emerge.
“President Barrow has expressed his intent to seek a third term, but many of us believe it’s time for him to allow someone else the chance to lead. We appreciate your service, Mr. President, but The Gambia needs change. People here are struggling and even losing their lives due to difficult conditions. During election season, we come out to vote with the hope of seeing real change, yet leaders seem to focus on personal interests rather than the needs of the people who worked hard to support them.
“I feel like President Barrow has no mercy for us,” he continued. “I was deported from Libya in 2018, and neither the President nor the government has done anything to support me since then. I don’t want to speak too much about the government, but we’re tired. I feel a sense of fear every time I hear Barrow’s name. It’s time for him to step aside and let someone else take up the mantle.
Pa Jabbie Gassama, another vendor, echoed Korta’s sentiments, urging President Barrow not to seek a third term.
“We voted for Barrow to improve our lives, but things have only gotten harder. Even if he believes he can lead again, he should reconsider and step back. We need fresh leadership to take us forward,” Gassama said.
Nyima Samura, also a vendor, voiced disappointment in the president’s unfulfilled promises and rising economic challenges.
“My wish is for us to give someone else a chance. We supported Barrow in 2021, but he hasn’t delivered on his promises. Life has only become more difficult. Rent is too high, food prices are unbearable, and education costs are out of reach for many families,” Samura explained. “If this is the direction he plans to continue, he won’t have my vote again.”